Nature's Lucozade: How the A-list's favourite coconut water is as effective as a sports drink

Most would consider the energy drink to be a thoroughly modern invention.

But now nutritionists have discovered that nature has her very own energy drink - the water found in young coconuts.

Coconut water has become the latest celebrity craze after studies
showed that fluid extracted from young green coconuts is naturally full
of isotones – the kind of electolytes which are added to sports drinks
to aid hydration.

Madonna, Sienna Miller and Demi Moore have all been spotted with coconut water in recent months – and Madonna is such a fan that she has
even invested in the company, Vita Coco, that sells it by the carton.

Sales of the water have shot up more than 800 per cent in the last
year since studies found that the fluid found in young coconuts is more
hydrating than water – and just as hydrating as expensive energy drinks.

But unlike sports drinks, coconut water is completely natural.

It is also fat free and low in sugar – making it a hit with fitness fans and figure-conscious celebrities.

Nutritionist Susie Perry said the natural, mineral-rich drinks could aid weight loss, improve the skin and help fight cellulite.

‘The most exciting thing about coconut water is the fact that it’s
more hydrating than pure water,’ says nutritionist Susie Perry.

‘Coconut water contains less glucose and sodium when compared to sports drinks and more potassium and other minerals.

‘It is also natural and doesn’t contain all the caffeine and
artificial preservatives, sweeteners and colourings that some sports
drinks contain.’

Figure-conscious: Actress Courteney Cox is also a fan of the drink which is fat free and low in sugar

Celebrity endorsement: Jessica Simpson is a fan of the acai and pomegranate-flavoured version of Vita Coco coconut water

The medicinal properties of Coconut water have been long understood
in tropical countries, where the drink is used to rehydrate people
suffering from dysentery and other illnesses which dehydrate the body.

But they have only recently been understood by western nutritionists
after the benefits of the drink were tested against water and leading
energy drinks.